tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872308197430698452018-03-02T10:49:13.055-05:00bluegrassersAbout bluegrass music and the folks who support it. All photos are copyrighted and used with permission onlyJack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-26140639432041921272013-01-13T19:13:00.001-05:002013-01-14T09:47:01.089-05:00BBU presents the Gibson BrothersI’ve never been disappointed by a performance by the Gibson Brothers since first hearing them at Pemi Valley Bluegrass Festival in New Hampshire back in 93 or 94 when brothers Leigh and Eric were backed by Mike Barber on bass and Mike’s dad Junior Barber on resophonic guitar. They were already good performers back then and over the years they’ve just gotten better. So good that they won the prestigious IBMA “2012 Entertainers of the Year” award which surprised Leigh Gibson who thought it would take a little longer to reach that plateau. But it didn’t surprise those of us who have been fans for years. Decades of hard touring have made the Gibson sound powerful, exciting and always fresh. Their songwriting skills have set them apart from many bands on the circuit today as most of their sets are populated with self written songs. Songs of hardship, struggles and overcoming the heavy loads many of us face in our journey through life. After listening to the Gibson Brothers one thing pops to mind: These guys are really good people who deserve the success they are enjoying of late. Last night’s BBU sponsored concert at the beautiful “Museum of National Heritage” in Lexington, Mass. was sold out by ShowTime and with good reason. Opening for the Gibson’s was Mike Compton picking Monroe style mandolin and Joe Newberry on the frailing banjo. Joe wrote two songs for the Gibson Brothers “Ring the Bell” album: “Jericho” and “I Know Whose Tears.” The duo performed old timey tunes and were a big hit with the audience. The Gibson’s followed with songs from their large collection of self written material and a few new songs from their new album to be released in late March. One of the new tunes, “I’m Dying to find Someone to Live For,” written by Loretta Lynn and Shawn Camp sounds like a hit to me. The Gibson’s are backed by top tier musicians Mike Barber on bass, Joe Walsh on mandolin, and Clayton Campbell on fiddle. These guys are such a huge part of the Gibson Brother sound, there solos are innovative and exciting and add to the experience of the Gibson Brothers. The band received standing ovations several times and two encores. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgMdeiTYZNo/UPNHl6dA9tI/AAAAAAAAD3s/i5Zp4Ib8zPQ/s1600/gibsonslexington%2B076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgMdeiTYZNo/UPNHl6dA9tI/AAAAAAAAD3s/i5Zp4Ib8zPQ/s400/gibsonslexington%2B076.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Eric,Leigh,Mike Barber,Mike Compton, and Joe Walsh</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CAq-bMfBU4U/UPNJUHwM5hI/AAAAAAAAD4E/QcTIg6NzN38/s1600/gibsonslexington%2B071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CAq-bMfBU4U/UPNJUHwM5hI/AAAAAAAAD4E/QcTIg6NzN38/s400/gibsonslexington%2B071.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Eric Gibson</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCb5UsReM2c/UPNJ6LPeuDI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/rYElCrv6VhA/s1600/gibsonslexington%2B077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCb5UsReM2c/UPNJ6LPeuDI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/rYElCrv6VhA/s400/gibsonslexington%2B077.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Leigh Gibson and Mike Barber</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3epCh9WKU_Y/UPNKTEppyKI/AAAAAAAAD4c/LuuenLL6yS8/s1600/gibsonslexington%2B065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3epCh9WKU_Y/UPNKTEppyKI/AAAAAAAAD4c/LuuenLL6yS8/s400/gibsonslexington%2B065.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Joe Walsh</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWgaEqXbESM/UPNKy73vxEI/AAAAAAAAD4o/TWD8v2Q2ils/s1600/gibsonslexington%2B061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWgaEqXbESM/UPNKy73vxEI/AAAAAAAAD4o/TWD8v2Q2ils/s400/gibsonslexington%2B061.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Clayton Campbell</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb0Amer7nUs/UPNLYoR8kzI/AAAAAAAAD40/jbwDOSIMJOU/s1600/gibsonslexington%2B074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb0Amer7nUs/UPNLYoR8kzI/AAAAAAAAD40/jbwDOSIMJOU/s400/gibsonslexington%2B074.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Leigh Gibson, Mike Barber, Joe Walsh, and Mike Compton</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gt7pb0KVw0U/UPNMFYIRR7I/AAAAAAAAD5A/quClJ2zPM3o/s1600/gibsonslexington%2B056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gt7pb0KVw0U/UPNMFYIRR7I/AAAAAAAAD5A/quClJ2zPM3o/s400/gibsonslexington%2B056.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Mike Compton and Joe Newberry</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpxFGlhq5k4/UPNMokA3OCI/AAAAAAAAD5M/A7l-fgEqD0w/s1600/gibsonslexington%2B009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpxFGlhq5k4/UPNMokA3OCI/AAAAAAAAD5M/A7l-fgEqD0w/s400/gibsonslexington%2B009.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">BBU President Stan Zdonik</h4></center></a></div> Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-63764458506064735692012-12-05T10:58:00.000-05:002012-12-05T10:58:03.367-05:00Christmas at GrassRoots It's always nice to listen to masterful musicians in performance, I can't think of a better way to spend an evening. So it was with great expectation that we drove an hour to see a Christmas show in Northbridge, Mass., the first of six shows in three states, this one at the Northbridge Congregational Church. The evenings lineup was full of talent: The Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band, Amy Gallatin with Roger Williams and guest vocalists, Karen Wilber and Krissie Dick along with acclaimed songwriter Rick Lang. The talent loaded lineup brought in a full house and we were fortunate to find seats. The set list for the night was loaded with Rick Lang originals as well as traditional and contemporary Christmas songs from long ago and more recent covers. The music was excellent as expected given the talent on stage and the presentation included lots of humor from folks who are really comfortable in front of an audience, lots of easy banter and humorus teasing which drew laughter many times throughout the performance. Karen Wilber and Rick Lange sang several of Rick's compositions from the album "Season of My Heart," and the BVBG guys offered traditional and contempory material. Amy and Roger along with Krissie Dick filled out the set with their fine vocals of classic songs and some novelty tunes like "Santa Baby." The instrumentation of the evening was great, and the whole evening was well paced and great fun. The series continues at locations noted on the <a href="http://www.blackstonevalleybluegrass.com">Blackstone Valley Bluegrass website</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wF9KI53ZUgo/UL6l0rCXLMI/AAAAAAAAD2I/nE8pJthh43E/s1600/bvbgxmas12%2B025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wF9KI53ZUgo/UL6l0rCXLMI/AAAAAAAAD2I/nE8pJthh43E/s400/bvbgxmas12%2B025.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Dan Knowlan and Ken Taylor</h4></center></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgCTHeZJb64/UL6jWGbi9FI/AAAAAAAAD1w/YaFycJZbR-w/s1600/bvbgxmas12%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgCTHeZJb64/UL6jWGbi9FI/AAAAAAAAD1w/YaFycJZbR-w/s400/bvbgxmas12%2B006.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Roger Williams, Amy Gallatin, Bob Dick, and Dave Dick</h4></center></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btOVaegzxsA/UL9rF1FEOeI/AAAAAAAAD2g/pjZU12_zVSs/s1600/bvbgxmas12%2B031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btOVaegzxsA/UL9rF1FEOeI/AAAAAAAAD2g/pjZU12_zVSs/s400/bvbgxmas12%2B031.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Dan Knowlan, Karen Wilber, Rick Lang, and Bob Dick</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uRNCkymIOo/UL9slRa4HXI/AAAAAAAAD2s/BN7ob9SAUjo/s1600/bvbgxmas12%2B041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uRNCkymIOo/UL9slRa4HXI/AAAAAAAAD2s/BN7ob9SAUjo/s400/bvbgxmas12%2B041.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Santa's Helpers</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRWLmKQEscM/UL9t1JMcCOI/AAAAAAAAD24/TGs08gu_MBA/s1600/bvbgxmas12%2B038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRWLmKQEscM/UL9t1JMcCOI/AAAAAAAAD24/TGs08gu_MBA/s400/bvbgxmas12%2B038.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Krissie Dick at the mic</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efAs2_Sm9Uc/UL9utX23-KI/AAAAAAAAD3E/AX5urQG7vvI/s1600/bvbgxmas12%2B028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efAs2_Sm9Uc/UL9utX23-KI/AAAAAAAAD3E/AX5urQG7vvI/s400/bvbgxmas12%2B028.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Karen Wilber</h4></center></a></div> </a></div> </a></div> </a></div> Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-66468818337783685442012-11-13T11:45:00.000-05:002012-11-13T11:45:12.299-05:00DiQuattro and DayThe Pomfret Senior Center has a brand new look. Completely refurbished and modernized, very open, bright and comfortable, its kitchen gleaming and full of gadgets that make preparing food easy. A nice setting for the first Bluegrass show in this new venue. The newly formed band called "DiQuattro and Day" took the stage at eight and energized the packed house with a mix of traditional Bluegrass and ballads from early country and folk. The harmony of the duo is exceptional and the lead singing of both performers was highly enjoyable. Cathy Day is well known for her talent as a Bluegrass fiddler and vocalist and recently joined up with Bob DiQuattro after meeting him at a jam and realizing they had a fine harmony blend. The performance was well received by the enthusiastic audience who called for encores and helped make the night, as DiQuattro put it, "electrifying". The duo was backed by three veterans of the Bluegrass scene, Tom Bowman on bass and harmony, Cheryl Plecan on bango, and Jim Plecan on mandolin. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDVN1DSDbEU/UKJySsO2rII/AAAAAAAADy0/e6CwJGX5wVk/s1600/dequatroandday%2B018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDVN1DSDbEU/UKJySsO2rII/AAAAAAAADy0/e6CwJGX5wVk/s400/dequatroandday%2B018.JPG" /></a></div><center><h4 class="black">Bob DiQuattro</h4></center></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5Mbdk24OuQ/UKJ2USltdWI/AAAAAAAADzM/PokUuHEBBlU/s1600/dequatroandday%2B015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5Mbdk24OuQ/UKJ2USltdWI/AAAAAAAADzM/PokUuHEBBlU/s400/dequatroandday%2B015.JPG" /></a></div><center><h4 class="black">Cathy Day</h4></center></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwOQA-95aHw/UKJ3Ep1unBI/AAAAAAAADzY/CT20KTm9bpY/s1600/dequatroandday%2B013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwOQA-95aHw/UKJ3Ep1unBI/AAAAAAAADzY/CT20KTm9bpY/s400/dequatroandday%2B013.JPG" /></a></div><center><h4 class="black">Cheryl Plecan</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I2xBvE-z_uo/UKJ33lvoTpI/AAAAAAAADzk/0BR7PAuuZDc/s1600/dequatroandday%2B012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I2xBvE-z_uo/UKJ33lvoTpI/AAAAAAAADzk/0BR7PAuuZDc/s400/dequatroandday%2B012.JPG" /></a></div><center><h4 class="black">Tom Bowman</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bg0VxBxM4bA/UKJ4PbB5FVI/AAAAAAAADzw/eLsTzF8ydz4/s1600/dequatroandday%2B019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bg0VxBxM4bA/UKJ4PbB5FVI/AAAAAAAADzw/eLsTzF8ydz4/s400/dequatroandday%2B019.JPG" /></a></div><center><h4 class="black">Jim Plecan</h4></center> Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-19242765635344961902012-06-04T17:01:00.000-04:002012-06-04T20:42:10.436-04:00Strawberry Park Bluegrass 2012Della Mae has been called Neo-bluegrass, edgy, progressive and other terms to describe their music and the way they deliver it, I just say it's really good, high energy acoustic music coupled with great original lyrics and wonderful vocals. Their performance at the Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival on friday was just great, stellar picking and singing and good rapport with the audience. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlZlzpjGwro/T80OdBut-oI/AAAAAAAADu0/Z77Cc75C4Qk/s1600/Strawberry%2BPark%2B2012%2B138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlZlzpjGwro/T80OdBut-oI/AAAAAAAADu0/Z77Cc75C4Qk/s400/Strawberry%2BPark%2B2012%2B138.JPG" /><left><h4 class="black">Celia Woodsmith and Courtney Hartman</h4></left><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0IbCGV5NvvM/T80QJzwLNeI/AAAAAAAADvA/abyNArwIzBs/s1600/Strawberry%2BPark%2B2012%2B141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0IbCGV5NvvM/T80QJzwLNeI/AAAAAAAADvA/abyNArwIzBs/s400/Strawberry%2BPark%2B2012%2B141.JPG" /><left><h4 class="black">Jenni Lyn Gardner</h4></left><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkXjINKL12A/T80RJQwiy2I/AAAAAAAADvM/I7XsMiv6Zb4/s1600/Strawberry%2BPark%2B2012%2B134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkXjINKL12A/T80RJQwiy2I/AAAAAAAADvM/I7XsMiv6Zb4/s400/Strawberry%2BPark%2B2012%2B134.JPG" /><left><h4 class="black">Kimber Ludiker</h4></left><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFMKTVGedDM/T80SY8Nv53I/AAAAAAAADvY/hUdDk2kY0bs/s1600/Strawberry%2BPark%2B2012%2B018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFMKTVGedDM/T80SY8Nv53I/AAAAAAAADvY/hUdDk2kY0bs/s400/Strawberry%2BPark%2B2012%2B018.JPG" /><left><h4 class="black">Celia, Shelby Means, and Courtney</h4></left></a> </a> </a> </a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-5689431840244317802012-05-31T19:05:00.000-04:002012-05-31T19:05:00.870-04:00Shady Creek at Mohegan Sun CasinoThe Nick Anderson and Shady Creek Bluegrass Band will be appearing at the Mohegan Sun Casino BBQ Fest on Sunday June 3rd. The band will take the stage at noon and will be followed by 5 time Grammy winner, Blues man, Robert Cray. This is a nice break for a great band of veteran performers who are sure to please you with the fine vocals and super picking they are known for. Nick sings lead and plays fine rhythm guitar and performs traditional bluegrass in the original style. Nick is backed by some fine pickers in Monty McLanahan, mandolin and high tenor, Dan Menzone playing world class banjo, with superb bass in the hands of Dave Aston. This will be a great day for bluegrass and blues lovers, and yes, the fabulous barbecue is included in the price of admission which is $30.00. The Mohegan Sun Casino is located in Uncasville, CT. <a href="http://www.mohegansun.com"> Mohegan Sun website</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qRoOusySYg/T8frW3tb1XI/AAAAAAAADuM/TW_CNpIU4B0/s1600/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qRoOusySYg/T8frW3tb1XI/AAAAAAAADuM/TW_CNpIU4B0/s400/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B042.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Dave Aston and Nick Anderson</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0g3aK7U7Nk/T8fsxEeTP9I/AAAAAAAADuY/q_xMLGwmgOA/s1600/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0g3aK7U7Nk/T8fsxEeTP9I/AAAAAAAADuY/q_xMLGwmgOA/s400/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B006.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Monty McLanahan</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVF9Dg2SlpA/T8ftb5lJsPI/AAAAAAAADuk/aGTbS2LIugM/s1600/Mineralspring2011%2B019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVF9Dg2SlpA/T8ftb5lJsPI/AAAAAAAADuk/aGTbS2LIugM/s400/Mineralspring2011%2B019.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Dan Menzone</h4></center>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-66983027704677319172012-04-30T17:26:00.000-04:002012-04-30T17:26:15.877-04:00Southern Rhode and Shady CreekThe 2011/2012 Winter Concert Series at the Killingly, CT. Grange came to an end in great fashion with two fine bluegrass bands performing traditional bluegrass and early country songs and some hot instrumentals as well. The guest band, "Southern Rhode," based in Rhode Island and made up of veterans of the New England and Tennesee music scene offered some stellar vocals and wonderful harmony on the old classics and some 60's and 70's country music. Fronted by Alex MacLeod singing lead and playing rhythm guitar and Monty McLanahan singing high tenor harmony and playing mandolin, along with the talented baritone vocalist and guitar/fiddle player Greg Badigian and on the other side of the stage the well known banjo player and teacher Mike Kropp, who they say has taught most of the noteworthy banjoists in the region, and finally the guy who kept the boys in line and in time, Tom Bowman on bass and comic relief. Southern Rhode received some solid applause and would certainly be welcomed back to the grange next season. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The host band "Nick Anderson and Shady Creek," put on their usual fine performance with Nick singing lead as they sang their repertoire of traditional bluegrass and gospel tunes. Nick borrowed Monty McLanahan from the Southern Rhode group and had the fabulous banjoist, Dan Menzone as a guest for the evening, the steady beat of the bass came from the skilled bassist Dave Aston. Later in the evening Dan Menzone joined Mike Kropp for some double banjo tunes and that was very enjoyable. I was disappointed to see the Grange concerts come to an end for the season but we at least it ended with a wonderful show.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N54UqI6vNtk/T57kF_LnvSI/AAAAAAAADsM/7EP80fPtW88/s1600/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N54UqI6vNtk/T57kF_LnvSI/AAAAAAAADsM/7EP80fPtW88/s400/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B021.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Southern Rhode</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YVNhFdGk7M/T57k1KZuxAI/AAAAAAAADsY/UyvbrmTER4M/s1600/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YVNhFdGk7M/T57k1KZuxAI/AAAAAAAADsY/UyvbrmTER4M/s400/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B051.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Alex MacLeod</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5rk9U7O2Mc/T57pfIR2H8I/AAAAAAAADtI/afWdVbwOvt8/s1600/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5rk9U7O2Mc/T57pfIR2H8I/AAAAAAAADtI/afWdVbwOvt8/s400/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B047.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Mike Kropp</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UpkRc-ggwU/T57qOTScQPI/AAAAAAAADtU/0PDB9lbPK3U/s1600/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UpkRc-ggwU/T57qOTScQPI/AAAAAAAADtU/0PDB9lbPK3U/s400/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B054.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Greg Badigian</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-00sSxQW39L4/T57rXXVR1jI/AAAAAAAADtg/VZfpZrjRRzs/s1600/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-00sSxQW39L4/T57rXXVR1jI/AAAAAAAADtg/VZfpZrjRRzs/s400/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B056.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Mike Kropp and Dan Menzone</h4></center></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i4UHLzgQPPs/T58B5Pqod2I/AAAAAAAADt8/oRdxOZoDyw4/s1600/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i4UHLzgQPPs/T58B5Pqod2I/AAAAAAAADt8/oRdxOZoDyw4/s400/SouthernRhode%2B4-12%2B038.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">The Shady Creek Band</h4></center></a></div> </a></div> </a></div> </a></div> Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-70655932617569913432012-04-02T18:54:00.002-04:002012-04-03T18:55:03.677-04:00The Spinney Brothers at Country Corner CoffeehouseDave and Rose Helman's Country Corner Coffeehouse located in So. Hadley, MA. was packed with Spinney Brothers fans waiting in excited anticipation for the Spinneys to take the stage. Hoping to see a great show they would not be disappointed. The band hit the stage at 8 PM and kicked off the set with the traditional number, "Cabin on a Mountain," and followed with the rollicking "Rollin' in My Sweet Babies Arms" and quickly had the audience stompin their feet to the beat of Darryl Hebb's bass. The band continued with their song selection of traditional bluegrass and a sprinkling of early country songs as well as some original material. Rick Spinney did his banjo version of "Home Sweet Home" to honor the late Earl Scruggs and the audience responded loudly in affirmation. The Spinney Brothers have become polished at presenting themselves and the set was nicely scripted and moved along smoothly. The brothers come off as being caring sensitive musicians able to relate to their audience and seem to put family and friends at the center of their music. Allen chose to show his yodeling skills to the folks late in the set with his rendition of the "Mule Skinner Blues" and it brought forth the loudest applause of the night. The brothers included many of the songs from their new album "Memories" that were well received. At intermission their product table was swamped with fans buying autographed copies of the "Memories" CD as well as older releases. The second set was as strong as the first with fine harmony and lead vocals accompanied by some great picking. The band is lead by Allen on guitar, Rick on banjo, Gary Dalrymple on mandolin, and Darryl Hebb on bass. It turned out to be a great evening of bluegrass represented by some fine artists.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMVcxFE1bD0/T3oM9H8PBqI/AAAAAAAADqk/f4_7C5eKkLw/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMVcxFE1bD0/T3oM9H8PBqI/AAAAAAAADqk/f4_7C5eKkLw/s400/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMVcxFE1bD0/T3oM9H8PBqI/AAAAAAAADqk/f4_7C5eKkLw/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><center><h4 class="black">Allen Spinney</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezbtf70DK1M/T3oNX_m5_5I/AAAAAAAADqw/hCjCOJhgJis/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezbtf70DK1M/T3oNX_m5_5I/AAAAAAAADqw/hCjCOJhgJis/s400/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezbtf70DK1M/T3oNX_m5_5I/AAAAAAAADqw/hCjCOJhgJis/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><center><h4 class="black">Rick Spinney</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNmDiMwoHOc/T3oOMpzq1SI/AAAAAAAADq8/ZCgn9d_7-BI/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNmDiMwoHOc/T3oOMpzq1SI/AAAAAAAADq8/ZCgn9d_7-BI/s400/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNmDiMwoHOc/T3oOMpzq1SI/AAAAAAAADq8/ZCgn9d_7-BI/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><center><h4 class="black">Gary Dalrymple</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flluC8fSoL4/T3oOtoyRbfI/AAAAAAAADrI/BSzdr_Mhuuw/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flluC8fSoL4/T3oOtoyRbfI/AAAAAAAADrI/BSzdr_Mhuuw/s400/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B010.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flluC8fSoL4/T3oOtoyRbfI/AAAAAAAADrI/BSzdr_Mhuuw/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><center><h4 class="black">Darryl Hebb</h4></center></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmD6H6hcWyE/T3oQKPrHBoI/AAAAAAAADrg/fkJh1jgbeC0/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmD6H6hcWyE/T3oQKPrHBoI/AAAAAAAADrg/fkJh1jgbeC0/s400/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmD6H6hcWyE/T3oQKPrHBoI/AAAAAAAADrg/fkJh1jgbeC0/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><center><h4 class="black">Dave and Rose Helman</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4YALJ4hzb_o/T3oROspomEI/AAAAAAAADrs/9I6B9MvsaL4/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4YALJ4hzb_o/T3oROspomEI/AAAAAAAADrs/9I6B9MvsaL4/s400/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4YALJ4hzb_o/T3oROspomEI/AAAAAAAADrs/9I6B9MvsaL4/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><center><h4 class="black">A Devoted Fan</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gJnPkMwW51Q/T3oRvHuRvPI/AAAAAAAADr4/hDpNn3kzAPk/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gJnPkMwW51Q/T3oRvHuRvPI/AAAAAAAADr4/hDpNn3kzAPk/s400/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHADlwHmnh8/T3oPZSBC6XI/AAAAAAAADrU/T7dD9GcBOV4/s1600/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHADlwHmnh8/T3oPZSBC6XI/AAAAAAAADrU/T7dD9GcBOV4/s400/Spinney%2BCountry%2BCor%2B061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-29471614053945117172012-03-26T16:58:00.000-04:002012-04-01T12:16:22.550-04:00The <a href="http://www.countrycornermusic.com/">Country Corner Coffeehouse</a> in South Hadley, MA will feature the Spinney Brothers in concert this Saturday evening, March 31 at 8:00 PM. The Spinneys have released a new album, "Memories," that is doing quite well on the bluegrass radio charts and are touring heavily on the national circuit. The band consists of brothers Allen, guitar and vocals, and Rick, banjo and vocals. They're joined by Gary Dalrymple on mandolin and Darryl Hebb on bass. This is sure to be a good show so come on out. <b>Note: I'll post a review and lots of pics by Monday evening the 2nd. of April</b> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGoKdyvg3dg/T3DSuEyhtHI/AAAAAAAADp8/950AgpAoPF4/s1600/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGoKdyvg3dg/T3DSuEyhtHI/AAAAAAAADp8/950AgpAoPF4/s400/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B131.JPG" width="400" /><center><h4 class="black">Allen Spinney</h4></center></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0South Hadley, MA, USA42.2583333 -72.57542.2113253 -72.653964 42.305341299999995 -72.496036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-24320309772227967162012-03-21T16:08:00.011-04:002012-03-23T20:14:49.077-04:00BearBridge at the FireboxThe BearBridge Band will be appearing at the Firebox Restaurant in Hartford CT this Sunday the 25th. of March at 5 PM. This band is made up of long time bluegrass musicians steeped in traditional bluegrass and old time music and always provide a fun time. You will hear some original music in the mix and some fine soloing to boot. The band is fronted by Robert Fraker on mandolin and vocals, his wife Lillian on bass and vocals, long time members, Tex Orlomoski, vocals and guitar and Dave Shaw, vocals and banjo. Always a treat to hear this band. The <a href="http://www.fireboxrestaurant.com">Firebox Restaurant</a> is located at 539 Broad St., Hartford, CT and is well known for its excellent food and its penchant for "fresh and local" meat, produce and fruit.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPI7jBC4iMs/T2o3kLNbSmI/AAAAAAAADps/tP5AIxVuew4/s1600/bearbridge%2B049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 268px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722447371151559266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPI7jBC4iMs/T2o3kLNbSmI/AAAAAAAADps/tP5AIxVuew4/s400/bearbridge%2B049.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Robert Fraker</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUX1vDXwh1U/T2o3Hs783UI/AAAAAAAADpg/4JviEv1FoIA/s1600/bearbridge%2B058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 268px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722446881988861250" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUX1vDXwh1U/T2o3Hs783UI/AAAAAAAADpg/4JviEv1FoIA/s400/bearbridge%2B058.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Lillian Fraker</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M2cs0Ye2-J4/T2o2WP-vQSI/AAAAAAAADpU/ahEDXzbvd-s/s1600/bearbridge%2B047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 268px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722446032402333986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M2cs0Ye2-J4/T2o2WP-vQSI/AAAAAAAADpU/ahEDXzbvd-s/s400/bearbridge%2B047.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Dave "Tex" Orlomoski</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WANiM1SBTs/T2o1zOL8gJI/AAAAAAAADpI/bucnfiZ_2AI/s1600/bearbridge%2B034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 268px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722445430625435794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WANiM1SBTs/T2o1zOL8gJI/AAAAAAAADpI/bucnfiZ_2AI/s400/bearbridge%2B034.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Dave Shaw</h4></center></a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-57109946324664379922012-03-18T11:05:00.021-04:002012-03-18T13:17:17.036-04:00Cashel RockThe Vanilla Bean Cafe located in Pomfret, CT was turned into an Irish Pub for several hours Saturday night. The band "Cashel Rock" made up of veteran New England artists, Peter Lange, guitar and vocals, Peter's daughter Rachel Lange, vocals, Carol Soucy, vocals and standup comedy, Tim St.Jean, vocals, bodhran, and mandolin, Vikki Baker, vocals, flute and tin-whistle, John Gilmore, bass and vocals, Cathy Day on fiddle and vocals, and Ed Clement, vocals and guitar, had the place jumping with their renditions of Irish drinking songs, ballads, and laments. At times funny as in "Finnegans Wake" and at times sad and nostalgic as in "Wild Mountain Thyme." But most of the night was raucous and fun as these excellent musicians kept the crowd fully engaged. And crowded it was as every bit of space was filled with fans of Irish music from at least three surrounding states, I haven't seen a larger crowd at the Bean. The audience was encouraged to join the fun by singing the chorus on many of the songs and they happily complied. The night ended to soon when after several encores the band had to stop to allow the Bean staff to clean up and close down. Oh well, St. Paddy's Day is only twelve months away.<br />Note: For full screen images click on the photo.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5-chuGWaxc/T2X-xShA4FI/AAAAAAAADo0/tn4cZzjXfrM/s1600/Cashel%2BRock%2B016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5-chuGWaxc/T2X-xShA4FI/AAAAAAAADo0/tn4cZzjXfrM/s400/Cashel%2BRock%2B016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721259024381435986" /><center><h4 class="black">Carol, John, Peter, Rachel, and Ed</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgMhQN4ZTwk/T2X7G1MtRoI/AAAAAAAADoQ/QdQWhj9EBcQ/s1600/Cashel%2BRock%2B039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mgMhQN4ZTwk/T2X7G1MtRoI/AAAAAAAADoQ/QdQWhj9EBcQ/s400/Cashel%2BRock%2B039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721254996422248066" /><center><h4 class="black">Vicki Baker, Tim St.Jean and Cathy Day</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQbktXQqi_U/T2X6QPtxlSI/AAAAAAAADoE/SVsYTOzQLnA/s1600/Cashel%2BRock%2B040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQbktXQqi_U/T2X6QPtxlSI/AAAAAAAADoE/SVsYTOzQLnA/s400/Cashel%2BRock%2B040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721254058647459106" /><center><h4 class="black">John Gilmore, Peter Lange, and Ed Clement</h4></center></a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-36851647305204020042012-03-10T20:14:00.016-05:002012-03-12T15:29:50.187-04:00Joe Val ShowcaseThe Rhode Island based band Southern Rhode showcased to a nearly full room at the recent Joe Val Festival in Framingham, Mass. The band of veteran bluegrass artists consists of Alex MacLeod singing lead and harmony and playing guitar, Monty McLanahan, lead and harmony vocals and picking the mandolin, Mike Kropp on banjo, and Greg Badigian on fiddle and guitar, with Tom Bowman on bass. Southern Rhode's music ranges from traditional to newgrass with some originals included in the mix. They're very tight musically and the lead vocals shared by Alex and Monty are done with feeling and sincerity, especially Rodney Crowell's "Song for Life," that song really got the audiences attention and brought forth loud applause. The group can be heard at the Wood River Inn in Carolina, R.I. on the fifth Sunday of the month. Hopefully, after the showcase exposure, they will be able to generate more gigs. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOczoAYmvn4/T1wA2nqLfRI/AAAAAAAADn0/N58e5piTfpE/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 266px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718446565212519698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOczoAYmvn4/T1wA2nqLfRI/AAAAAAAADn0/N58e5piTfpE/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B017.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Southern Rhode</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-940Qgz-qado/T1v_llHwcZI/AAAAAAAADno/jwbIlGhO3KM/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 266px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718445172961866130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-940Qgz-qado/T1v_llHwcZI/AAAAAAAADno/jwbIlGhO3KM/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B013.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Alex MacLeod</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi_jyzTDGug/T1v-07OT4gI/AAAAAAAADnc/YrrZ7_K72Hs/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 266px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718444337081344514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi_jyzTDGug/T1v-07OT4gI/AAAAAAAADnc/YrrZ7_K72Hs/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B016.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Monty McLanahan</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RVh0H4qLfP8/T1v-EghveZI/AAAAAAAADnQ/TnkjGyXNXhc/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 266px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718443505281366418" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RVh0H4qLfP8/T1v-EghveZI/AAAAAAAADnQ/TnkjGyXNXhc/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B014.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Mike Kropp</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n0ST-Kx3a14/T1v9C4XuEiI/AAAAAAAADnE/IFqOK8sSl6U/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 266px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718442377810416162" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n0ST-Kx3a14/T1v9C4XuEiI/AAAAAAAADnE/IFqOK8sSl6U/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B015.JPG" /><center><h4 class="black">Greg Badigian</h4></center></a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-45065436490203156962012-03-08T10:21:00.003-05:002012-03-08T19:16:08.103-05:00Amy Gallatin and Stillwaters at Joe ValAmy Gallatin sings country, swing, and bluegrass and does them all well. She's a veteran of the music scene both in this country and Europe who's very confident performing before audiences of all sizes. The banter comes easy for Amy and she always gets the audience involved. She is joined by Roger Willams, a highly respected resophonic guitarist and his son J.D. Williams on mandolin and Dave Hollender on banjo with Eric Levenson on bass. That's a top flight group in any arena.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3U3lrVj06Xw/T1gAM1BeylI/AAAAAAAADmE/mtAphqT5CSQ/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3U3lrVj06Xw/T1gAM1BeylI/AAAAAAAADmE/mtAphqT5CSQ/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B004.JPG" /></a><center><h4 class="black">Amy Gallatin and Stillwaters</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnmzfJVEsHc/T1gBPeIvKbI/AAAAAAAADmQ/LpH1vjbPrKU/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnmzfJVEsHc/T1gBPeIvKbI/AAAAAAAADmQ/LpH1vjbPrKU/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B010.JPG" /></a><center><h4 class="black">Amy Gallatin</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHAe49hgy_g/T1gCCNY_5ZI/AAAAAAAADmc/6EczLYC6N3I/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHAe49hgy_g/T1gCCNY_5ZI/AAAAAAAADmc/6EczLYC6N3I/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B009.JPG" /></a><center><h4 class="black">Roger Williams</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Os-_tFVQ9GI/T1gCrgwcR0I/AAAAAAAADmo/DdL7upUmiSo/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Os-_tFVQ9GI/T1gCrgwcR0I/AAAAAAAADmo/DdL7upUmiSo/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B007.JPG" /></a><center><h4 class="black">J.D. Williams</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcMZH_tQ6_o/T1gDM9bKtII/AAAAAAAADm0/LQBcLQbHF4k/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcMZH_tQ6_o/T1gDM9bKtII/AAAAAAAADm0/LQBcLQbHF4k/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B008.JPG" /></a><center><h4 class="black">Dave Hollender</h4></center></div>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-3709021817297114162012-03-03T13:20:00.001-05:002012-03-03T13:20:38.767-05:00Josh Williams at Joe ValThe Josh Williams band was a huge hit at this years 27th Joe Val Festival, Josh with his powerful deep resonating voice just wowed the audience as he went through tunes from past albums. People were yelling out requests throughout his performance and he happily obliged them. His singing is as good as his guitar picking which is World Class. He also writes some of the material in his vast repertoire. Randy Barnes, the bassist for the band sings one or two also. What I like about Josh is that he puts a bluegrass sound to material that you don't often hear at bluegrass festivals, songs more likely heard at country or pop venues. He did a spectacular cover of country singer John Conlee's "Rose Colored Glasses" that had the crowd out of their seats. Good Stuff. Josh has talented sidemen in Jason McKendree on banjo and Nick Keen on mandolin. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhdXABOHb1o/T1JaIWsrFDI/AAAAAAAADlo/R_zrZWKFFLY/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhdXABOHb1o/T1JaIWsrFDI/AAAAAAAADlo/R_zrZWKFFLY/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B023.JPG" /></a><center><h4 class="black">Nick Keen</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UH6u-CyUOGM/T1Ja7LftTcI/AAAAAAAADl0/F-NBlIZAdNI/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UH6u-CyUOGM/T1Ja7LftTcI/AAAAAAAADl0/F-NBlIZAdNI/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B026.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Jason McKendree</h4></center></div> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O92gL-4FK3U/T1JYFW6R4PI/AAAAAAAADlQ/fO6lja-ydJM/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O92gL-4FK3U/T1JYFW6R4PI/AAAAAAAADlQ/fO6lja-ydJM/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B029.JPG" /></a><center><h4 class="black">Randy Barnes</h4></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qa0v1ky3LWw/T1JZTrAsBRI/AAAAAAAADlc/ixnyW4YOzvY/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qa0v1ky3LWw/T1JZTrAsBRI/AAAAAAAADlc/ixnyW4YOzvY/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BSat%2B2012%2B027.JPG" /></a></div> <center><h4 class="black">Josh Williams</h4></center></div> </a></div> Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-52747026183261365462012-02-29T20:57:00.001-05:002012-02-29T20:57:51.827-05:00Sierra Hull and Steep Canyon Rangers at Joe ValAs expected, Sierra Hull's set was dynamic, she sang cuts from her hit album "Daybreak" with feeling and sincerity making one believe the lyrics were about her own experiences, and in fact she did write seven of the songs on that album. Her mandolin picking was sensational especially on the tune she wrote named "Bombshell," which she picked with such speed and clarity it had people shaking their heads in disbelief. She was joined by some excellent pickers as well. Jake Stargel on guitar, Zach Gilmer on banjo and guitar, Jacob Eller on bass, and Christian Ward on fiddle.<center><h4 class="black">Sierra Hull</h4></center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDQ0yJnZ4Os/T0waimDDDtI/AAAAAAAADko/X7Ewpw9wlxQ/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDQ0yJnZ4Os/T0waimDDDtI/AAAAAAAADko/X7Ewpw9wlxQ/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B067.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713971208857521874" /></a><br /><center><h4 class="black">Jake Stargel</h4></center><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJBdPif3C9g/T0waHyfZMjI/AAAAAAAADkc/nZ4UdWby4UM/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJBdPif3C9g/T0waHyfZMjI/AAAAAAAADkc/nZ4UdWby4UM/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713970748341170738" /></a><br /><center><h4 class="black">Jacob Eller</h4></center><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OGG20wTFrn4/T0wZn7fgmhI/AAAAAAAADkQ/008_UZVaNlo/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OGG20wTFrn4/T0wZn7fgmhI/AAAAAAAADkQ/008_UZVaNlo/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713970201001761298" /></a><br /><center><h4 class="black">Zach Gilmer</h4></center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0jQ3PyJ3Nw/T0wZEsTT1OI/AAAAAAAADkA/ZgD9nxmEvu4/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0jQ3PyJ3Nw/T0wZEsTT1OI/AAAAAAAADkA/ZgD9nxmEvu4/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713969595628639458" /></a><br /><center><h4 class="black">Christian Ward</h4></center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6uBUXAju0k/T0wVMqbPs7I/AAAAAAAADjw/1BPrRfn6ECw/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6uBUXAju0k/T0wVMqbPs7I/AAAAAAAADjw/1BPrRfn6ECw/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713965334517494706" /></a><br />When I first saw the Steep Canyon Rangers live about three years ago I was very impressed with them, I thought they were certainly first class and had a bright future in bluegrass. Everything about them, their command of the instruments, the vocals, the tight harmony, their appearance, it all said success. When they paired up with comedian, actor, and musician Steve Martin they really climbed to new heights. That pairing has brought bluegrass music to thousands of folks who might never have known what bluegrass is or how infectious it can be. Their performance was very tight and smooth and the harmonies were as good as it gets.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_jiwmFFsZYI/T0v6MieOuzI/AAAAAAAADjg/J9l63x1Ffr8/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_jiwmFFsZYI/T0v6MieOuzI/AAAAAAAADjg/J9l63x1Ffr8/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713935645568580402" /><center><h4 class="black">Woody Platt</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpwXGHPByiw/T0v5xj1khDI/AAAAAAAADjU/hPeZjNEEunA/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpwXGHPByiw/T0v5xj1khDI/AAAAAAAADjU/hPeZjNEEunA/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B070.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713935182078444594" /><center><h4 class="black">Mike Guggino</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9K2RcURAvT4/T0v5aDrXv4I/AAAAAAAADjI/BYrjeUUm3ds/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9K2RcURAvT4/T0v5aDrXv4I/AAAAAAAADjI/BYrjeUUm3ds/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713934778308738946" /><center><h4 class="black">Nicky Sanders</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFm-wEMLaN0/T0v45Qwb5nI/AAAAAAAADi8/mKKNP8Myf-o/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFm-wEMLaN0/T0v45Qwb5nI/AAAAAAAADi8/mKKNP8Myf-o/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713934214883960434" /><center><h4 class="black">Charles Humphrey</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6UYY_RNgk8/T0v4LfWe-CI/AAAAAAAADiw/62wCrzHeWXw/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6UYY_RNgk8/T0v4LfWe-CI/AAAAAAAADiw/62wCrzHeWXw/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713933428527659042" /><center><h4 class="black">Graham Sharp</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbubsb9qUD0/T0v37NmUV7I/AAAAAAAADik/SgGWt7UH68M/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbubsb9qUD0/T0v37NmUV7I/AAAAAAAADik/SgGWt7UH68M/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713933148884326322" /></a><br />Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-7985580483951149762012-02-26T12:19:00.019-05:002012-02-26T13:08:12.795-05:00Grass Routes at the BeanPlaying to a packed house at the <a href="http://www.vanillabeancafe.com">Vanilla Bean Cafe</a> the GrassRoutes Band treated the audience to an energetic performance of old time bluegrass with some country and folk thrown in.Covers of tunes from the Stanley Brothers to Allison Krause were heard from a band of top professional musicians who aim to please. All five artists sing both lead and harmony so there was an excellent variety of sounds that kept the toes tapping and smiles on faces. This group is tight on the vocals and the instrumentals were top notch, incorperating the songs melody into the mix. It was plain to see the crowd and the ambience of the room had a positive effect on the band as they seemed to be having as much fun as the rest of us. The Bean is a wonderful venue, warm and relaxing and the food is the best. Check out the <a href="http://www.grassroutesbluegrass.com">bands website</a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kndFhakFv20/T0pucQRZBqI/AAAAAAAADiU/sgFdYf4ODck/s1600/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kndFhakFv20/T0pucQRZBqI/AAAAAAAADiU/sgFdYf4ODck/s400/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713500508956198562" /><center><h4 class="black">Bill Reveley</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdZbUOOulCc/T0pty52s2OI/AAAAAAAADiI/n4NMrHcSVMg/s1600/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdZbUOOulCc/T0pty52s2OI/AAAAAAAADiI/n4NMrHcSVMg/s400/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713499798564034786" /><center><h4 class="black">Marilyn Reveley</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CadVoc3F0HY/T0ptPBcD1tI/AAAAAAAADh8/6tRGOkcEJy8/s1600/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CadVoc3F0HY/T0ptPBcD1tI/AAAAAAAADh8/6tRGOkcEJy8/s400/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713499182124488402" /><center><h4 class="black">Dave "Tex" Orlomoski</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NsadnblvQcw/T0pspsnKB5I/AAAAAAAADhw/vxeoVtalA5g/s1600/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NsadnblvQcw/T0pspsnKB5I/AAAAAAAADhw/vxeoVtalA5g/s400/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713498540878727058" /><center><h4 class="black">Joe Lemeris</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZezFza5jjBI/T0prx8JwaDI/AAAAAAAADhk/rD0dDFCrAC4/s1600/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZezFza5jjBI/T0prx8JwaDI/AAAAAAAADhk/rD0dDFCrAC4/s400/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713497582977706034" /><center><h4 class="black">Joe DeLillo</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--zMtaq0YLyo/T0pq8AUDNoI/AAAAAAAADhY/g5txJqa83oM/s1600/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--zMtaq0YLyo/T0pq8AUDNoI/AAAAAAAADhY/g5txJqa83oM/s400/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713496656381687426" /><center><h4 class="black">Joe and Tex</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ_T7hP-g_Y/T0pqdiUzkWI/AAAAAAAADhM/cU4L7fOHDTU/s1600/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ_T7hP-g_Y/T0pqdiUzkWI/AAAAAAAADhM/cU4L7fOHDTU/s400/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713496132935717218" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVThmuKS3fY/T0pqK6A989I/AAAAAAAADhA/g67FMD9Mwoc/s1600/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVThmuKS3fY/T0pqK6A989I/AAAAAAAADhA/g67FMD9Mwoc/s400/grassroutes%253Dvanillabean%2B2012%2B022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713495812877448146" /></a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-30575901918337013972012-02-24T19:07:00.013-05:002012-02-24T19:55:40.832-05:00Joe Sings JoeJoe Val was a Boston native who fronted the band "Joe Val and the New England Bluegrass Boys" back in the seventies. He was an excellent mandolin player and had a terrific high tenor voice. He helped to put the New England bluegrass scene on the map and cut several albums for Rounder Records. Joe Singleton is a huge fan of Joe Val and found the he could sing Joe's songs with credability. Singleton surrounded himself with accomplished bluegrass performers, two of whom actually played as members of the New England Bluegrass Boys with Joe Val and the band was born, since then then they've performed at several festivals and have built a large following. They were well received here at the 27th Joe Val and I'm hoping they'll become regulars at the festival. Joe Sings Joe is comprised of Rich Stillman on banjo and vocals, Dave Dillon on guitar and harmony vocals, John Roc on mandolin, Eric Levenson on bass, Laura Orshaw of fiddle, Sky Travis on dobro, and Joe Singleton singing lead and high tenor.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcCUo37tCEg/T0gqLz2MRrI/AAAAAAAADgg/rvWH_ZdR6-E/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcCUo37tCEg/T0gqLz2MRrI/AAAAAAAADgg/rvWH_ZdR6-E/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712862509703906994" /><center><h4 class="black">Joe Singleton</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpyTYEMSJ38/T0gpjnWP75I/AAAAAAAADgU/O_AWmuXse6I/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpyTYEMSJ38/T0gpjnWP75I/AAAAAAAADgU/O_AWmuXse6I/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712861819153936274" /><center><h4 class="black">Rich Stillman</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWU2WQ-OQU8/T0go73wzKSI/AAAAAAAADgI/L3JPngs1EeU/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWU2WQ-OQU8/T0go73wzKSI/AAAAAAAADgI/L3JPngs1EeU/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712861136365496610" /><center><h4 class="black">John Roc</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wivZTE1or9g/T0goLXg_TrI/AAAAAAAADf8/wSsq87JHQWQ/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wivZTE1or9g/T0goLXg_TrI/AAAAAAAADf8/wSsq87JHQWQ/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712860303075528370" /><center><h4 class="black">Eric Levenson</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SBp6bs8h-ko/T0gnf7UJD1I/AAAAAAAADfw/Sj8___ucb3g/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SBp6bs8h-ko/T0gnf7UJD1I/AAAAAAAADfw/Sj8___ucb3g/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712859556771073874" /><center><h4 class="black">Laura Orshaw</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1ESbLok3FM/T0gm8FeCr-I/AAAAAAAADfk/JxLx7xR_9DU/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1ESbLok3FM/T0gm8FeCr-I/AAAAAAAADfk/JxLx7xR_9DU/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712858941021663202" /><center><h4 class="black">Sky Travis</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Bt6M6VuKBI/T0gwown1xbI/AAAAAAAADgw/p3iG7fOMBQU/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Bt6M6VuKBI/T0gwown1xbI/AAAAAAAADgw/p3iG7fOMBQU/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712869604124378546" /><center><h4 class="black">Dave Dillon</h4></center></a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-67551428214676915172012-02-19T14:55:00.034-05:002012-02-22T20:50:13.706-05:00Spinney Brothers at Joe ValKnown for tight harmonies and high energy performances the duo of Allen Spinney and brother Rick Spinney won over the audience with the first tune of their set at the 27th Annual Joe Val Bluegrass Festival held at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel in Framingham, Mass. With their upbeat style and presentation the brothers performed traditional bluegrass as well as some original tunes that spoke about their Canadian heritage. Allen included some early country tunes as he likes to do during his portion of the set. Allen provides the rhythmn guitar and Rick handles the banjo quite well. They share the lead vocals and harmony. The Spinneys are backed by the fine playing of Gary Dalrymple on Banjo and Darryl Hebb on Bass. As a group they've won numerous awards for their instrumental skills by the Eastern Canada Bluegrass Music Association and are members of the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame. In the past they've opened shows for bluegrass greats Ricky Scaggs and Mac Wiseman. Friday nights audience loved them and screamed for more at the end of their set. The Spinneys will be back in the area in March at the<a href="http://www.countrycornermusic.com"> Country Corner Coffeehouse</a> in South Hadley, Mass.<br /><br /> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuKOItibB4I/T0Qq1g8l8xI/AAAAAAAADfU/9yUe7vkBaVQ/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuKOItibB4I/T0Qq1g8l8xI/AAAAAAAADfU/9yUe7vkBaVQ/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711737326278144786" /><center><h4 class="black">Allen Spinney</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CQvB_b_dy4/T0QqQizJF5I/AAAAAAAADfI/XBsj8xr59zk/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CQvB_b_dy4/T0QqQizJF5I/AAAAAAAADfI/XBsj8xr59zk/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711736691120215954" /><center><h4 class="black">Rick Spinney</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4G8Fm-gUWRs/T0QpHWHqRfI/AAAAAAAADe8/-h5bgKdkpuY/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4G8Fm-gUWRs/T0QpHWHqRfI/AAAAAAAADe8/-h5bgKdkpuY/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711735433586165234" /><center><h4 class="black">Gary Dalrymple</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0hL0TKAYtY/T0QocX9jHcI/AAAAAAAADew/KVbM8HpHJ08/s1600/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0hL0TKAYtY/T0QocX9jHcI/AAAAAAAADew/KVbM8HpHJ08/s400/Joe%2BVal%2BFri.%2B2012%2B042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711734695346249154" /><center><h4 class="black">Darryl Hebb</h4></center></a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-44138008968963115642012-01-30T16:30:00.028-05:002012-01-30T18:08:44.816-05:002012 Winter Concerts SeriesThe Killingly, CT. Grange began its 2012 Winter Concert Series on Saturday January 28 featuring the "Blackstone Valley BlueGrass Band" along with host band "Nick Anderson and Shady Creek." We arrived early and found a nearly packed house already enjoying the fresh sandwiches and soups made by the Grange crew. We had plenty of time to renew old friendships and find out what's new with the bands. Shady Creek has undergone some changes over the winter adding Dave Aston on bass and Dan Menzone on banjo as guests at least for this show and the returning Monty McLanahan on mandolin, harmony and lead vocals. Nick, of course, does much of the lead singing and plays rhythm guitar. Nick has a vast list of traditional bluegrass songs in his repertoire and sings them with high energy and just the right emotion, always enjoyable. The now packed house responded with loud applause and hoots and hollers after every number. This had to be the most energized and responsive audience I've ever witnessed at the Grange in the many years I've attended. The BVBGB got the same treatment, and you could see the sheer enjoyment of playing for this crowd on the faces of this fabulous band. BVBGB has not changed at all in the many years we've been following them. There's no particular leader as everyone takes a turn at lead singing and relating the history of the music they perform and each member displayed quick wit while taking friendly jabs at each other that got some good laughs from the audience. Both bands are packed with virtuoso pickers and fine singers. BVBGB has a new CD out titled "Soulshine" with many original compositions many of them were heard for the first time here at the Grange. Dan Menzone's newest release is called "Frostbite" also with many original Menzone tunes. Dan surrounded himself with some of the bluegrass worlds top instrumentalists on this release: Wyatt Rice, Adam Steffey, Rob Ickes, Rickie Simpkins, Don Rigsby, and Richard Bennett on vocals. Dan also performs with the Connecticut based band "TrueGrass." <center><h4 class="black">The Blackstone Valley BlueGrass Band</h4></center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q4c1by_Shb0/TycRWij4tDI/AAAAAAAADc4/tvxYHcgG908/s1600/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q4c1by_Shb0/TycRWij4tDI/AAAAAAAADc4/tvxYHcgG908/s400/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703546532020139058" /><center><h4 class="black">Bob Dick</h4></center></a>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B76fJYKuIWQ/TycQ4PAVTzI/AAAAAAAADcs/vflRPvgZrKA/s1600/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B76fJYKuIWQ/TycQ4PAVTzI/AAAAAAAADcs/vflRPvgZrKA/s400/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703546011374669618" /><center><h4 class="black">Dave Dick</h4></center></a>
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoIXnmcR9ZU/TycQCrclwTI/AAAAAAAADcg/TiA2u4H0M0Y/s1600/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoIXnmcR9ZU/TycQCrclwTI/AAAAAAAADcg/TiA2u4H0M0Y/s400/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703545091296444722" /><center><h4 class="black">Dan Nowlan</h4></center></a>
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smO9m8FN1x0/TycPjiV5kDI/AAAAAAAADcU/lManQSeOWTg/s1600/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smO9m8FN1x0/TycPjiV5kDI/AAAAAAAADcU/lManQSeOWTg/s400/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703544556276518962" /><center><h4 class="black">Ken Taylor</h4></center></a>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwbVeB87V70/TycPHbYUQkI/AAAAAAAADcI/XmT32T1F2II/s1600/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwbVeB87V70/TycPHbYUQkI/AAAAAAAADcI/XmT32T1F2II/s400/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703544073371271746" /><center><h4 class="black">Blackstone Valley Bluegrass</h4></center></a> <center><h4 class="black">Nick Anderson and Shady Creek</h4></center>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMzwJd3rwus/TycOpP5toqI/AAAAAAAADb8/BJJJiWSpjQE/s1600/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMzwJd3rwus/TycOpP5toqI/AAAAAAAADb8/BJJJiWSpjQE/s400/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703543554894045858" /><center><h4 class="black">Nick Anderson</h4></center></a>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gYp9a4sa1BI/TycOJ3lO02I/AAAAAAAADbw/koLohTYKtWY/s1600/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gYp9a4sa1BI/TycOJ3lO02I/AAAAAAAADbw/koLohTYKtWY/s400/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703543015789744994" /><center><h4 class="black">Monty McLanahan</h4></center></a>
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ps5XuPtMlY/TycNFyWoPhI/AAAAAAAADbg/qcj3Qf9TCzU/s1600/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ps5XuPtMlY/TycNFyWoPhI/AAAAAAAADbg/qcj3Qf9TCzU/s400/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703541846155214354" /><center><h4 class="black">Dan Menzone</h4></center></a>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMjoCTZH4HA/TycMbFLdg_I/AAAAAAAADbU/7Arh6OusKqE/s1600/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMjoCTZH4HA/TycMbFLdg_I/AAAAAAAADbU/7Arh6OusKqE/s400/bg-grange%2B01-28-2012%2B006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703541112474272754" /><center><h4 class="black">Dave Aston</h4></center><center><h4 class="black"></a>
<br />Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-37023691486326374172011-06-13T15:15:00.013-04:002011-06-15T18:04:11.464-04:00Bluegrass Sweethearts<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AfMUMf5mfpw/Tfj7MszK87I/AAAAAAAADGc/zM3w5j7d3ck/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AfMUMf5mfpw/Tfj7MszK87I/AAAAAAAADGc/zM3w5j7d3ck/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618516730747483058" /><center><h4 class="black">The Darin and Brooke Aldridge Band</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8D2jc-EnR_Y/Tfj63dK78MI/AAAAAAAADGU/BU8W8sqF0BQ/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B162.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8D2jc-EnR_Y/Tfj63dK78MI/AAAAAAAADGU/BU8W8sqF0BQ/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B162.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618516365774942402" /><center><h4 class="black">Darin and Brooke Aldridge</h4></center></a><br />Finally got to see and hear the Darin and Brooke Aldridge Band. They were on the Folk Stage at Strawberry Park's Bluegrass Festival on Saturday and they were scheduled for the Bluegrass stage the next day. They were playing to a moderate crowd as most people were at the bluegrass stage just down the road. Their set sounded more bluegrass than folk and was really good listening. They are called the "Sweethearts of Bluegrass," because the love they have for each other is quite obvious and the music they make is full of love and hope for the world. Darin has played with the Country Gentlemen and other first rate bands. He's an accomplished songwriter too. Brooke possesses a powerfull voice and the two harmonize nicely. The overall band sound is really good. They'll be at the <a href="http://www.jennybrookfestival.com">Jenny Brook Festival</a>June 23 to 26 at the Tunbridge, VT Fairgrounds. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsUSZgf755s/TfZi8hZKIxI/AAAAAAAADGI/t8GTd3rbPYo/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B160.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsUSZgf755s/TfZi8hZKIxI/AAAAAAAADGI/t8GTd3rbPYo/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B160.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617786377086837522" /></a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-9460505184577630042011-06-06T19:30:00.034-04:002011-06-11T10:29:06.124-04:00Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival SaturdaySaturday's weather was perfect in Preston CT as the music began and it stayed that way the whole day, what a blessing. The Claire Lynch Band kicked off the days festivities with a fine performance that set the tone for the day and all the following groups equaled the high standard set by CLB. The audience was sparse for the early sets but steadily increased to a full house by late afternoon. I enjoyed all the music of the day whether it was bluegrass, swing, country, blues or jazz. It was done well, sounded great, and the musicians were superb.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-Rk-CUyaJU/TfNr4bYUyjI/AAAAAAAADF0/JM_awmVHdcY/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-Rk-CUyaJU/TfNr4bYUyjI/AAAAAAAADF0/JM_awmVHdcY/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616951777427769906" /><center><h4 class="black">Claire Lynch</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EbWcjwzH6uA/TfNrniETJPI/AAAAAAAADFs/l02N6K8-AiY/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EbWcjwzH6uA/TfNrniETJPI/AAAAAAAADFs/l02N6K8-AiY/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616951487165048050" /><center><h4 class="black">Jason Thomas</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Jj3UwyKrXQ/TfNrLZe4CRI/AAAAAAAADFk/BqXLoY8f2xc/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Jj3UwyKrXQ/TfNrLZe4CRI/AAAAAAAADFk/BqXLoY8f2xc/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616951003824261394" /><center><h4 class="black">Mark Schatz</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxthdL1uAj0/TfNqxvuKQyI/AAAAAAAADFc/jwPtQvhINus/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxthdL1uAj0/TfNqxvuKQyI/AAAAAAAADFc/jwPtQvhINus/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616950563117351714" /><center><h4 class="black">Matt Wingate</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fQObPTp-9kA/TfNoMBWFtCI/AAAAAAAADFQ/yxcMCsfUMMA/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fQObPTp-9kA/TfNoMBWFtCI/AAAAAAAADFQ/yxcMCsfUMMA/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616947715989943330" /><center><h4 class="black">The Greencards</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMpr25yI5fU/Te7NBO__tiI/AAAAAAAADFE/MReosaaAkoc/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMpr25yI5fU/Te7NBO__tiI/AAAAAAAADFE/MReosaaAkoc/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615651206467663394" /><center><h4 class="black">Dry Branch Fire Squad</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8byrvcCtNvw/Te7MpfgauvI/AAAAAAAADE8/Kdm1gcdZd74/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8byrvcCtNvw/Te7MpfgauvI/AAAAAAAADE8/Kdm1gcdZd74/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615650798581758706" /><center><h4 class="black">Ron Thomason</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hpBrzevKJss/Te7MKW7z5DI/AAAAAAAADE0/E4Iu3BJnbAU/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hpBrzevKJss/Te7MKW7z5DI/AAAAAAAADE0/E4Iu3BJnbAU/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615650263704790066" /><center><h4 class="black">Brian Aldridge</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVDMeCVkD64/Te7L-TUXQyI/AAAAAAAADEs/OOYc0vVsv6I/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVDMeCVkD64/Te7L-TUXQyI/AAAAAAAADEs/OOYc0vVsv6I/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615650056575599394" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PvOvPke7eI/Te7Ln6QgeAI/AAAAAAAADEk/qHh4FAZELVk/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PvOvPke7eI/Te7Ln6QgeAI/AAAAAAAADEk/qHh4FAZELVk/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615649671891417090" /><center><h4 class="black">Dan Russell</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__JI5yig3N8/Te7Kt4AmSnI/AAAAAAAADEc/MofrSBzVcls/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B109.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__JI5yig3N8/Te7Kt4AmSnI/AAAAAAAADEc/MofrSBzVcls/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B109.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615648674855406194" /><center><h4 class="black">The Grascals</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85n9fv8pCSI/Te7KV7-VNXI/AAAAAAAADEU/tVvKS8SJZUQ/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85n9fv8pCSI/Te7KV7-VNXI/AAAAAAAADEU/tVvKS8SJZUQ/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B094.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615648263602779506" /><center><h4 class="black">Jamie Johnson</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYs0Q5EItEU/Te7J-plEuGI/AAAAAAAADEM/O_Fo2McZMZY/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYs0Q5EItEU/Te7J-plEuGI/AAAAAAAADEM/O_Fo2McZMZY/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615647863528011874" /><center><h4 class="black">Terry Eldredge</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrj5ZEAxXt0/Te1sZ758dNI/AAAAAAAADEA/SfR-ZkR2GmA/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrj5ZEAxXt0/Te1sZ758dNI/AAAAAAAADEA/SfR-ZkR2GmA/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B082.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615263503234135250" /><center><h4 class="black">Kristin Scott Benson</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YhX0ryTMwo/Te1sRw0jfBI/AAAAAAAADD4/xXOQ-7vpzEg/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B096.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YhX0ryTMwo/Te1sRw0jfBI/AAAAAAAADD4/xXOQ-7vpzEg/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615263362819783698" /><center><h4 class="black">Danny Roberts</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9RQn8aA6o_M/Te1sKPc52jI/AAAAAAAADDw/9jaCxnu7s6I/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9RQn8aA6o_M/Te1sKPc52jI/AAAAAAAADDw/9jaCxnu7s6I/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615263233603131954" /><center><h4 class="black">Jeremy Abshire</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Pcl_vyGoJM/Te1sAa9c-OI/AAAAAAAADDo/mOkJp8dzIDw/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Pcl_vyGoJM/Te1sAa9c-OI/AAAAAAAADDo/mOkJp8dzIDw/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B097.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615263064893749474" /><center><h4 class="black">Terry Smith</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1i4sxuTihDY/Te1rgggr6DI/AAAAAAAADDg/w09DbPgocFc/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B147.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1i4sxuTihDY/Te1rgggr6DI/AAAAAAAADDg/w09DbPgocFc/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B147.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615262516627892274" /><center><h4 class="black">The Gibson Brothers</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbpdh01opHs/Te1pgFeGaXI/AAAAAAAADDU/lqwgE8OkPSs/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbpdh01opHs/Te1pgFeGaXI/AAAAAAAADDU/lqwgE8OkPSs/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B129.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615260310346033522" /><center><h4 class="black">Leigh Gibson</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qm49ApooMak/Te1pVtnu6_I/AAAAAAAADDM/GqKGvJu2oXg/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B135.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qm49ApooMak/Te1pVtnu6_I/AAAAAAAADDM/GqKGvJu2oXg/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B135.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615260132145294322" /><center><h4 class="black">Eric Gibson</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pc4-U9J4Pc4/Te1pNb42UFI/AAAAAAAADDE/3k9G1IgeLbo/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B134.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pc4-U9J4Pc4/Te1pNb42UFI/AAAAAAAADDE/3k9G1IgeLbo/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B134.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615259989946290258" /><center><h4 class="black">Leigh and Mike Barber</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oXih4XKdf8/Te1oyu4XEVI/AAAAAAAADC8/lUDaeIaf5Tg/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B181.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oXih4XKdf8/Te1oyu4XEVI/AAAAAAAADC8/lUDaeIaf5Tg/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B181.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615259531188048210" /><center><h4 class="black">Clayton Campbell</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwAL14Em21Q/Te1olBp0jxI/AAAAAAAADC0/Vd6Shn9B73o/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B131.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwAL14Em21Q/Te1olBp0jxI/AAAAAAAADC0/Vd6Shn9B73o/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B131.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615259295709171474" /><center><h4 class="black">Joe Walsh</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxmWUXlj-8Y/Te1lD7KNI2I/AAAAAAAADCo/6wk5GkOktzA/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B175.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxmWUXlj-8Y/Te1lD7KNI2I/AAAAAAAADCo/6wk5GkOktzA/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B175.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615255428495385442" /><center><h4 class="black">Jim Beaver</h4></center></a>The MC's for the day did thier usual fine job of introducing and highlighting the accomplishments of the days bands, the work was shared by three veterans of the bluegrass scene, Glenn Huffer who's been at the podium at Strawberry Park for decades, Kim Cyr who heads up the CT Bluegrass Music website and promotes concerts at the Salem, Ct. Barn and Jim Beaver, the knowledgeable DJ at WHUS,91.7, in Storrs, Ct.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_SnfQJ-qBU/Te1ksuC500I/AAAAAAAADCg/xUHUMTXMlmg/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_SnfQJ-qBU/Te1ksuC500I/AAAAAAAADCg/xUHUMTXMlmg/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615255029838107458" /><center><h4 class="black">Glenn Huffer</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-fz_jTW6LU/Te1jxg1i-jI/AAAAAAAADCU/l4vbQ7Tn9r8/s1600/strawberrypark2011%2B114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-fz_jTW6LU/Te1jxg1i-jI/AAAAAAAADCU/l4vbQ7Tn9r8/s400/strawberrypark2011%2B114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615254012680141362" /><center><h4 class="black">Kim Cyr</h4></center></a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-90438161174123212192011-05-07T11:01:00.010-04:002011-05-07T12:25:00.447-04:00Spinney BrothersThe<a href="http://www.spinneybrothers.com"> Spinney Brothers</a>, an award winning band out of Canada, took the stage in Canterbury, CT. and quickly broke into song with high energy, broad smiles and exciting rhythm that instantly grabbed the large audience. They left no doubt this was going to be a great show. The band was impeccably dressed in bright blue shirts and ties with dark grey vests that was reminiscent of the early bluegrass bands that dressed to impress, and impress they did. The vocals by Allan and Rick were rich in tone and phrasing and strongly communicated emotion and the harmony blend was terrific, as good as I've ever heard. The instrumental solos were well done, highlighting the skills of each member and keeping in mind the melody of the piece they were doing. This group showed their confidence with the ease and lightness of their humor and certainly commanded the stage. I believe everyone in the hall went home a fan of this highly entertaining group of professionals who are sure to be a hit wherever they appear. The band members are: Allan Spinney on lead and harmony vocals and lead guitar, Rick Spinney on banjo and lead and harmony vocals, Gary Dalrymple on mandolin and harmony vocals, and Darryl Hebb on bass.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GmmJdAAFk8s/TcVkCetiEPI/AAAAAAAADBw/lrBdUhqfp3A/s1600/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GmmJdAAFk8s/TcVkCetiEPI/AAAAAAAADBw/lrBdUhqfp3A/s400/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603995305099006194" /><center><h4 class="black">Allan Spinney</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vy-ULFF57bU/TcVjeoH8ehI/AAAAAAAADBo/4wdhR0m2JXk/s1600/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B136.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vy-ULFF57bU/TcVjeoH8ehI/AAAAAAAADBo/4wdhR0m2JXk/s400/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B136.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603994689150417426" /><center><h4 class="black">Rick Spinney</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LiYl0lw84qg/TcVjF3rhglI/AAAAAAAADBg/mfR98FBfsAg/s1600/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LiYl0lw84qg/TcVjF3rhglI/AAAAAAAADBg/mfR98FBfsAg/s400/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603994263829447250" /><center><h4 class="black">Gary Dalrymple</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-coYTs207Qmk/TcViocP2QSI/AAAAAAAADBY/OT5mxRIyTck/s1600/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-coYTs207Qmk/TcViocP2QSI/AAAAAAAADBY/OT5mxRIyTck/s400/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603993758249402658" /><center><h4 class="black">Gary and Allan</h4></center></a><br />Darryl kept a steady back-beat for the guys and they spoke of how that is so important for their sound. The bass player is often overlooked but without that steady beat things can get sloppy.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv7Aws83cNk/TcVg7KbQVFI/AAAAAAAADBM/8xg45FmEIRY/s1600/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv7Aws83cNk/TcVg7KbQVFI/AAAAAAAADBM/8xg45FmEIRY/s400/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603991880859669586" /><center><h4 class="black">Darryl Hebb</h4></center></a><br />Amy Orlomoski, a popular DJ at WHUS's Bluegrass Cafe was the organizer of this event, she also served as MC. The event raised funds for the benefit of the Canterbury Historical Society.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JrjV4XltehM/TcVfLdsfcWI/AAAAAAAADBA/EbAsB6J-sIY/s1600/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B123.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JrjV4XltehM/TcVfLdsfcWI/AAAAAAAADBA/EbAsB6J-sIY/s400/Spinney%2BBrothers%2B123.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603989961886888290" /><center><h4 class="black">Amy Orlomoski</h4></center></a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-43271726061967868342011-04-24T17:15:00.016-04:002011-04-29T19:52:40.512-04:00Blackstone Valley Bluegrass BandOn Saturday, the very popular<a href="http://www.thevanillabeancafe.com"> Vanilla Bean Cafe</a> in Pomfret CT. was host to a fundraiser for the CT. Audubon Society. The CAS has nearly completed its new Grasslands Education Center located in the middle of its 700 acre Nature Preserve on Day Road in Pomfret and as part of its effort to raise money for the project presented an evening of Bluegrass with the<a href="http://www.blackstonevalleybluegrass.com"> Blackstone Valley Bluegrass</a> Band, a very talented group from Massachusetts lead by brothers Dave and Bob Dick with Ken Taylor on bass and Dan Nolan on mandolin. The band played bluegrass with a touch of country and folk and delivered some amazing three and four part harmony that was well received. The guitar, banjo, and mandolin breaks were superb, fast, yet not too far from the melody. The banter between the band members and the audience was funny and natural. For their encore they played and sang "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" while moving among the audience which proved to be a big hit. Folks I talked to thought it was a wonderful way to close out the evening.<br />The Vanilla Bean Cafe is known for great food and atmosphere and is on the New England Folk Music Circuit presenting some of the best in Folk Music and on occasion a Bluegrass group.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVR9XxpHRvk/TbSXKNlGH9I/AAAAAAAAC_s/GVHWYPA9GKQ/s1600/BVBGB%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBean%2B003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVR9XxpHRvk/TbSXKNlGH9I/AAAAAAAAC_s/GVHWYPA9GKQ/s400/BVBGB%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBean%2B003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599266438428106706" /><center><h4 class="black">Dave Dick</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymkSQrRb5h8/TbSWU2pWX5I/AAAAAAAAC_k/ViIvGkCQAvE/s1600/BVBGB%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBean%2B004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymkSQrRb5h8/TbSWU2pWX5I/AAAAAAAAC_k/ViIvGkCQAvE/s400/BVBGB%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBean%2B004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599265521738866578" /><center><h4 class="black">Ken Taylor and Dan Nolan</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtWu4Q5UorE/TbSVnq_hecI/AAAAAAAAC_c/yNQuqZUeOic/s1600/BVBGB%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBean%2B007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtWu4Q5UorE/TbSVnq_hecI/AAAAAAAAC_c/yNQuqZUeOic/s400/BVBGB%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBean%2B007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599264745516530114" /><center><h4 class="black">Bob Dick, Dan Nolan and Dave Dick</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NA7n-ov6jeg/TbSUbh03b4I/AAAAAAAAC_Q/bAS2WJ8QXFs/s1600/BVBGB%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBean%2B010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NA7n-ov6jeg/TbSUbh03b4I/AAAAAAAAC_Q/bAS2WJ8QXFs/s400/BVBGB%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBean%2B010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599263437385854850" /><center><h4 class="black">Bob Dick</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9w5OFtNfxsg/TbSTnKk_emI/AAAAAAAAC_I/w2LuLTvw3MQ/s1600/BVBGB%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBean%2B016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9w5OFtNfxsg/TbSTnKk_emI/AAAAAAAAC_I/w2LuLTvw3MQ/s400/BVBGB%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBean%2B016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599262537792060002" /><center><h4 class="black">Dan and Ken</h4></center></a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-16537462113306874912011-03-29T19:40:00.029-04:002011-04-05T09:22:40.431-04:00Bear BridgeThe "Bear Bridge Band," whose members come from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut, paid a visit to the Killingly,CT. Grange on Saturday for a rare performance, the band hasn't been playing dates of late. They put on a great show for the nearly full house. Organized by Nick Anderson, a long time Bluegrasser, the series runs through the winter months and features Nick's band, "Shady Creek" and a different guest band for each concert. The series is always well attended sometimes filling the house. Many of the top regional New England bands can be expected to appear as well as a few local acts. A good part of the regular audience seem to be people not seen at other Bluegrass venues leading me to think they're not so much Bluegrass fans but more likely drawn to the shows for some tasty inexpensive food, good music and a night out in a friendly safe place. They sure do appreciate the talented musicians as they always applaud loudly and with enthusiasm and they keep coming back. I think promoters should take their cue from this and plan to have their event catered by local groups that already have a reputation for good food at reasonable prices and use the sales revenue for good works, this may increase ticket sales. I say this because I've been to events that feature top National Touring bands, yet draw small crowds. I wonder if they used this format instead of just snacks of candy and chips and the like, would they fill more seats. Could it be that people want to make a night of it by having hot food and sandwiches before the nights entertainment, sort of a "sit down supper," followed by the music. I can tell you that the venues that use this format have very good turnouts. It seems to work and might be worth a look.<center><h4 class="black">The Bear Bridge Band</h4></center> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--k0HljI5FKg/TZOp6UGcFgI/AAAAAAAAC-A/QZgxOwGlLbw/s1600/bearbridge%2B087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--k0HljI5FKg/TZOp6UGcFgI/AAAAAAAAC-A/QZgxOwGlLbw/s400/bearbridge%2B087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589998381790139906" /><center><h4 class="black">Robert Fraker</h4></center></a>Robert Fraker heads up the Bear Bridge Band with his fine mandolin pickin and vocals. This was a rare appearance for the band as most of the members are involved in other projects. I enjoy the way Robert introduces a song with some anecdotal information on its origin and who has recorded it in the past, makes the song special when you know of its history. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TSrHiQuTno/TZOpvMN1DHI/AAAAAAAAC94/9JcGVx_pXR4/s1600/bearbridge%2B056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TSrHiQuTno/TZOpvMN1DHI/AAAAAAAAC94/9JcGVx_pXR4/s400/bearbridge%2B056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589998190695091314" /><center><h4 class="black">Lillian Fraker</h4></center></a>Lillian keeps the band in perfect time with her solid bass rhythm, and her bass runs will make you sit up and pay attention. As Doc Watson often remarks when hearing talented musicians, "Man, she can play the fire out of that thing."<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--l98ESMA4No/TZOpnPO0XZI/AAAAAAAAC9w/jXVca4vGhA0/s1600/bearbridge%2B088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--l98ESMA4No/TZOpnPO0XZI/AAAAAAAAC9w/jXVca4vGhA0/s400/bearbridge%2B088.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589998054065593746" /><center><h4 class="black">Dave "Tex" Orlomoski</h4></center></a>Tex is a fine lead vocalist with a smooth confident delivery. His guitar solos are always good and he too can tell interesting stories about the songs and artists he has met along the way.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zjNfybCtIA/TZOpUF0RPWI/AAAAAAAAC9o/zKI8lZ24A4I/s1600/bearbridge%2B033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zjNfybCtIA/TZOpUF0RPWI/AAAAAAAAC9o/zKI8lZ24A4I/s400/bearbridge%2B033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589997725120806242" /><center><h4 class="black">Dave Shaw</h4></center></a>Dave Shaw was solid on the banjo and his lead vocal and harmony added to the nights performance. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwmvhLmsWhc/TZOo9N2rySI/AAAAAAAAC9g/UF4QoKfOqvA/s1600/bearbridge%2B015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwmvhLmsWhc/TZOo9N2rySI/AAAAAAAAC9g/UF4QoKfOqvA/s400/bearbridge%2B015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589997332141426978" /><center><h4 class="black">William Trickett</h4></center></a>The Shady Creek Band, fronted by Nick Anderson, with Joe Giard sitting in on mandolin, Elise LaFlamme on fiddle, William Trickett on banjo and dobro, and Mark Doyle banging the bass, is always a crowd pleaser. They do so many of the early traditional songs, they really get the audience engaged and stomping their feet. Always a good evening at the Grange. Next month," Amy Gallatin and Stillwaters" with Roger Williams on dobro will fill out the bill. Come early for the fine food from the Grange kitchen. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3VA2EpTZ1c/TZOoquayGfI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/fNecx_GMqXc/s1600/bearbridge%2B098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3VA2EpTZ1c/TZOoquayGfI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/fNecx_GMqXc/s400/bearbridge%2B098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589997014465255922" /><center><h4 class="black">Elise, Mark Doyle and Robert</h4></center></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WydXCkKD0eA/TZJvUbl_ohI/AAAAAAAAC8k/MxMvuff24ZU/s1600/bearbridge%2B007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WydXCkKD0eA/TZJvUbl_ohI/AAAAAAAAC8k/MxMvuff24ZU/s400/bearbridge%2B007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589652484315390482" /><center><h4 class="black">Joe Giard,Elise LaFlamme and Nick Anderson</h4></center></a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-66132796813885465882011-03-11T12:19:00.007-05:002011-03-11T13:27:38.935-05:00Strawberry ParkThe "Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival" is on. TD Bank purchased the campground for $8 million at foreclosure auction and has agreed to set aside $135,000 for the operating expenses to allow the site to open April 1st. Elite Resorts which has been operating the campground as the receiver has earmarked $50,000 for the booking of bands for both the Bluegrass festival and the Zydeco festival.<br /> The "Bluegrass Festival" has always been a success so this is great news both for fans and artists. The lineup, which is subject to change, lists the Dailey and Vincent Band, the Gibson Brothers, Claire Lynch, the Grascals, lll Tyme Out, the Boxcars, the Dry Branch Firesquad, and many others.<br />Check out the <a href="http://www.strawberrypark.net">schedule</a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987230819743069845.post-40820339008591046312011-02-27T18:51:00.025-05:002011-02-28T21:13:56.266-05:00Killingly Grange Winter Concerts<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AmYmlJocqtM/TWxLwnCHoUI/AAAAAAAAC3g/SDEW-tvOOLc/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AmYmlJocqtM/TWxLwnCHoUI/AAAAAAAAC3g/SDEW-tvOOLc/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578917336888877378" /><center><h4 class="black">Mike Boulay</h4></center></a>Mike Boulay and the Hope Valley Volunteers made some new fans Saturday night at the Killingly CT. Grange hall. This group lit the place up with their revved up pickin and fine vocals and smooth harmonies. This is a confident bunch of pickers who know how to please an audience. They run an entertaining and fun set poking fun at themselves with anecdotes about their playing and their history as a band. Mike Fischman quipped "the band used to be called, "Mike Boulay and Friends," but when Mike ran out of friends he had to call in "Volunteers." The comedy did not get in the way of the music, however, they were dead serious about the way they present their music, and it was good, mostly traditional with a boogie tune now and then. Band members are: Mike Boulay on guitar, lead and harmony vocals, Joe Giard on mandolin, lead and harmony vocals, Mike Fischman on banjo and harmony vocals, and Rory McLeod on bass. This is a band that you need to see. They perform at the "Wood River Inn" on Rt.138 in Richmond R.I. on the 3rd. Sunday of the month <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gA3rZoohY1s/TWxLCcQIiHI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/kr6GX1UIJ6w/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gA3rZoohY1s/TWxLCcQIiHI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/kr6GX1UIJ6w/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578916543720884338" /><center><h4 class="black">Mike Boulay and the Hope Valley Volunteers</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NpC40swA14/TWxKulf31zI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/P5rQ0ISvOJw/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NpC40swA14/TWxKulf31zI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/P5rQ0ISvOJw/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578916202605434674" /><center><h4 class="black">Mike Boulay</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBt-hNyWPVk/TWxKMI6S8eI/AAAAAAAAC3I/0YdONoklnk0/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBt-hNyWPVk/TWxKMI6S8eI/AAAAAAAAC3I/0YdONoklnk0/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578915610816082402" /><center><h4 class="black">Joe Giard and Mike Boulay</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3sIb6-e0Yw/TWxHFVKRT7I/AAAAAAAAC28/x12onoilNxs/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3sIb6-e0Yw/TWxHFVKRT7I/AAAAAAAAC28/x12onoilNxs/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578912195310342066" /><center><h4 class="black">Rory McLeod</h4></center></a><br />Mike Fischman plays banjo, guitar, mandolin, and probably more, you may know him as the DJ at WRIU radio's "Bluegrass Breakdown," from the campus of the University of Rhode Island.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNQpmftUE3w/TWxFOrW1tZI/AAAAAAAAC2w/I3U5o3ehpWA/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNQpmftUE3w/TWxFOrW1tZI/AAAAAAAAC2w/I3U5o3ehpWA/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578910156864206226" /><center><h4 class="black">Mike Fischman</h4></center></a>The host band of this series is "Nick Anderson and Shady Creek," Nick does the heavy work of finding good bands to fill out the bill of his winter series. He and his band always put on a good show at the Grange and he's developed a loyal following. Nick usually sticks to bands that fall under the "traditional" umbrella and that seems to be what his audience wants. The band members are: Monty McLanahan on mandolin and lead and harmony vocals, William Trickett on banjo, dobro, and harmony vocals, Elise LaFlamme on fiddle and harmony vocals, and Mark Doyle on bass and harmony vocals.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wH6DxtAZ3g/TWxETr3J8CI/AAAAAAAAC2k/VleznVJ2dZw/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wH6DxtAZ3g/TWxETr3J8CI/AAAAAAAAC2k/VleznVJ2dZw/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578909143387467810" /><center><h4 class="black">The Shady Creek Band</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--thlAuQRcQQ/TWxD9J-EiMI/AAAAAAAAC2c/5qN_65mvmZc/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--thlAuQRcQQ/TWxD9J-EiMI/AAAAAAAAC2c/5qN_65mvmZc/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578908756332546242" /><center><h4 class="black">Nick Anderson</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfA3SzB1KEk/TWxDbsNXD8I/AAAAAAAAC2U/JYZxyCN0q6g/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfA3SzB1KEk/TWxDbsNXD8I/AAAAAAAAC2U/JYZxyCN0q6g/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B051.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578908181407928258" /><center><h4 class="black">William Trickett</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8EINBb6meA/TWxC-MI9PDI/AAAAAAAAC2M/pPpr01PrDGA/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8EINBb6meA/TWxC-MI9PDI/AAAAAAAAC2M/pPpr01PrDGA/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578907674583317554" /><center><h4 class="black">Monty McLanahan</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AE_XCUKAU8/TWxCKI7ZWuI/AAAAAAAAC2A/lWUSprghqyc/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AE_XCUKAU8/TWxCKI7ZWuI/AAAAAAAAC2A/lWUSprghqyc/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578906780367936226" /><center><h4 class="black">Elise LaFlamme</h4></center></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZkqOTX5YUc/TWxBr4RFM8I/AAAAAAAAC14/P7WzoCtDb4s/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZkqOTX5YUc/TWxBr4RFM8I/AAAAAAAAC14/P7WzoCtDb4s/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578906260499411906" /><center><h4 class="black">Mark Doyle</h4></center></a><br />To close out the evening, the two bands joined forces for a half dozen songs and tunes. It was high energy and a perfect ending to a terrific show.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_JQuor-jkM/TWrlG6hpldI/AAAAAAAAC1s/FwaDzT3qqD0/s1600/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_JQuor-jkM/TWrlG6hpldI/AAAAAAAAC1s/FwaDzT3qqD0/s400/Michael%2BBoulay%2Band%2Bthe%2BVolunteers%2B046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578522995404150226" /></a>Jack Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661202005161538542noreply@blogger.com0